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Rabat – Morocco and India have launched a new defense factory in Berrechid, marking an important step in strengthening Morocco’s military industry.
The factory, named TATA Advanced Systems Maroc (TASM), was inaugurated on Tuesday under the directives King Mohammed VI, Supreme Commander and Chief of General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces.
It is the result of a partnership between Morocco’s Administration of National Defense, India’s Ministry of Defense, and the Indian company TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL).
The plant will start producing WhAP 8×8 armored combat vehicles, which will serve both the Royal Armed Forces and international markets.
According to the Defense Administration, this project is designed to give Morocco more industrial and technological independence in defense, while also boosting innovation and creating qualified jobs.
At its launch, the factory will use 35% locally produced components, with a goal of reaching 50% in the future by training Moroccan talent and involving national suppliers.
The Berrechid site is expected to generate 90 direct jobs and 250 indirect jobs, while also driving economic growth in the region. Workers will have opportunities for training and career development in advanced defense technologies.
Equipped with modern facilities, the factory will also serve as a regional hub for exports, especially to African markets.
The partnership reflects King Mohammed VI’s vision of building a strong Moroccan defense industry that supports sovereignty, security, and South-South cooperation.
TATA Advanced Systems Limited, a global leader in defense, is contributing its expertise, advanced technology, and international network to the project, while also supporting local innovation and knowledge transfer, concluded the statement.
Morocco and India have strengthened their defense partnership on Monday with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering training, joint exercises, cybersecurity, defense industry, and military health.
The agreement, signed in Rabat during Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh’s official visit, establishes joint coordination mechanisms and aims to enhance mutual expertise and strategic capacities.
Both sides celebrated historic ties, renewed momentum since King Mohammed VI’s 2015 visit to India, and the importance of South-South cooperation, with a focus on initiatives that also benefit African countries.
During a press briefing following the meeting, India’s Ambassador to Morocco, Sanjay Rana, said that “the strategic partnership between India and Morocco grows as both nations aim to strengthen cooperation in defence, industry, and trade.”
Meanwhile, Abdeltif Loudyi, Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of the Administration of National Defense, said: “We want you in Morocco, we will support you.”
The MoU reflects both governments’ commitment to translating strategic cooperation into concrete defense projects.
MWN with MAP
